I have one of these coins and have been trying to decipher if it's a fake or real one. I've looked up many different fraudulent ones and it looks more like the real one. What is the main characteristic on this coin for me to prove mine is the real deal?
- Jenita

Hello Jenita -- It sounds like you have looked around the web and compared images of genuine and fake coins to your coin. If you have done this, it is a very good step. Many of the fakes have obvious differences from genuine coins, e.g., erroneous inscriptions (see this CoinCommunity thread [Press Here]) or erroneous characters at the 2 and 10 o'clock positions on the dragon side (see the ForgeryNetwork entry [Press Here]). To be real, the coin must have natural-looking surfaces, not mushy, grainy, shiny, or washed-out, and free of pock marks. The next step, assuming you have an unholdered coin in your possession, is to check the weight. A jeweler's scale should indicate 26.7 grams, plus or minus a few 0.1 grams. If the weight is off, it's a fake. The coin is common enough that these three methods (correct pattern, good surfaces, and correct weight) are enough to make the coin valuable. To be completely sure, you have to spend money for professional authentication. If your coin is in excellent condition, with a catalog value exceeping $500, consider sending it to PCGS, NGC, ICG, or ANACS. These services will tell you if the coin is genuine. Look them up on the Internet. Do not use other services.
- CoinQuest (Paul)